In an expansive legislative maneuver, Minnesota has passed a law that will outlaw binary triggers starting January 1, 2025.

This measure was included in a sweeping 1400+ page omnibus bill, House File 5247. Originally aimed at addressing tax issues, it expanded to incorporate a variety of regulations, including this controversial gun control provision.

What’s Changing?

The newly passed law redefines “Trigger Activator” under Minnesota Statutes to encompass binary triggers, effectively banning their possession statewide. A binary trigger enables a firearm to discharge one shot on the pull and another on the release of the trigger, without the need for a subsequent pull. From 2025, possessing such devices will be a criminal offense, attracting penalties as severe as 20 years in prison and fines up to $35,000. Notably, the law does not allow grandfathering for existing owners, nor does it offer any compensation for these now-illegally owned triggers.

Impact on Gun Owners

This regulation affects anyone who owns a binary trigger, installed or not. With no provision for those who currently possess these triggers legally, owners are left with few options: sell, relocate out of state, destroy, or turn them into law enforcement by the deadline to avoid hefty penalties.

Controversial Passage and Legal Challenges

Critics have raised concerns about the bill’s passage, pointing out potential violations of Minnesota’s single-subject clause, given the omnibus bill’s broad scope. Moreover, there are significant apprehensions regarding Second Amendment infringements and violations of the takings clause of the Constitution. Legal challenges are being considered, with advocacy groups actively seeking plaintiffs to contest the law’s constitutionality.

Republican Response and Community Reactions

Republican lawmakers have expressed strong opposition, denouncing the measure as “bad policy” and criticizing the lack of a buyback or compensation program for affected gun owners as the government steals their once legal private property. This stance highlights a deep divide in the state over gun control measures, with many seeing this as an ineffective approach to enhancing public safety.

Advice for Current Owners

With the law’s implementation on the horizon and potential legal battles pending, the advised course of action for binary trigger owners remains cautious. Selling or safely disposing of these triggers before the law takes effect could mitigate risks of severe legal repercussions. Join and support the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus for the latest news and updates on this fight.

As Minnesota joins roughly a dozen other states in banning binary triggers, the debate continues over the effectiveness of such bans and their impact on gun rights and public safety. The coming months may see significant legal developments as opponents of the ban push back against what they view as an overreach infringing upon Second Amendment rights.

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